Converting to Cubic Feet: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are shipping products through a company and don’t know the volume of your products, this guide is for you. We have discussed the conversion to cubic feet in detail and explored how you can advance with the given volume.

1. What are cubic feet?

Cubic feet are the unit to measure the object’s length, width, and height. It gives the idea of how much space an object occupies. Such a unit is used in the US to measure the volume of objects such as refrigerators, soil, or other items. Often, you can come across such units efficiently when shipping.

2. How do I calculate the cubic feet?

Calculation of the cubic relies more on the item types. For example, the regular items has a straightforward calculation compared to the irregular objects or spherical items.

So, the dimensions of objects vary based on the shape. Let’s shower light on various formulas of the different types of objects.

1) Rectangular items (boxes, furniture)

The formula for the cubic feet calculation of the rectangular boxes includes the object’s height, width, and length. Remember all the height, width, or length calculations must be in the feet units.

The formula is:

Cubic Feet=Length (ft)×Width (ft)×Height (ft)

Now, you can assume the rectangular objects are like boxes or furniture items. Suppose:

• Length is 2 feet.

• Height is 3 feet.

• The width is 4 feet.

Apply the above formula, and the result will be:

Cubic feet = 2 x 3 x 4 = 24 cubic feet

2) Irregular objects

Irregular objects are challenging to measure. The simplest way is to divide the object’s volume into regular cubes or rectangles. That is how you can measure the cubic feet of irregular objects.

You can apply the formula to each regular division from irregular objects.

3) Cylindrical and spherical items

For Cylindrical objects, you must measure the two crucial factors.

• Height of the cylinder

• The radius of the cylinder

Then, apply the formula:

Cubic Feet=π×Radius (ft)² ×Height (ft)

While π≈3.1416.

Now, take the example of a cylinder that has a height of 5 feet and radius of 1 feet.

The result is 15.70 cubic feet.

For spherical objects, you need only the radius.

Cubic Feet= 3/4 ×π×Radius (ft)³

Assume the radius is 2 feet. The cubic feet dimension of the object will be 33.510 cubic feet.

3. Cubic Feet Conversion

Do you already have the dimensions of objects in cubic inches and feet? Don’t worry; we have a solution for that, too. Convert the cubic inches to the feet using the given formulas.

1) Cubic inches to cubic feet

First, convert the one cubic foot into an inch.

One cubic foot = 1,728 cubic inches.

Now, apply the following formula to derive your result.

Cubic feet = Cubic inches / 1728

Suppose an example of an object of 5000 cubic inches of dimensions. Convert the cubic inches into the feet, resulting in 2.89 cubic feet.

2) Cubic meters to cubic feet

Do you have the cubic meters of the object? Well, the transformation of cubic meters to feet is yet straightforward. For instance,

One cubic meter = 35.3147 cubic feet.

The formula to convert the cubic meter to feet is:

Cubic Feet=Cubic Meters×35.3147

Now, take an example of the two cubic meters. Convert it into:

2×35.3147=70.6294 cubic feet

3) Conversion formulas and quick reference charts

Unit Conversion	Formula
Cubic Inches → Cubic Feet	ft³ = in³/1728
Cubic Meters → Cubic Feet	ft³ = m³ x 35.3147
Cubic Feet → Cubic Inches	in³ = ft³ x 1728
Cubic Feet → Cubic Meters	m³ = ft³/35.3147

There are many free online cubic feet calculators and conversion apps.

• CalculatorSoup

• Convert Units

• RapidTables

If you are looking for a smartphone app, you can choose based on your phone. For Android users, the following apps offer fast and reliable conversions.

• Unit Converter Ultimate

• Volume Calculator

On the other hand, you can try the following apps on your iPhone.

• Unit Converter Pro

• ConvertPad

4. How do cubic feet impact shipping rates?

Shipping rates change as per the cubic feet of the products.

Many companies calculate the dimensional weight rather than the actual weight.

Do you know what it is? In actuality, they bid prices based on the space the item occupies. That space is measured in cubic feet.

Top companies such as FedEx, DHL, and USPS offer volume-based charges.

They calculate the cubic feet volume of the objects by the above formula and alter the charges based on that volume. If the volume is higher, the charges are higher.

5. Practical Tools and Resources for Cubic Feet

Here are the resources and practical tools for the cubic feet calculation if you are wondering.

1) Recommended measurement tools

There are a few measurement tools to keep in your pocket.

• Measuring tape. It calculates height, width, and length from every angle.

• Laser distance measurer. Do you want a quick calculation of the volume of cubic feet? This tool offers unbelievable accuracy in the measurements.

• Measuring cube. This cube already has a determined height, length, and width. Based on that, you can measure the overall volume of intended objects.

2) Digital apps and calculators

Consider the following online digital apps and calculators.

• Freightos shipping calculator offers a straightforward calculation of shipping rates based on the cubic feet volume.

• You can calculate the shipping rates by adding the volume of your objects.

3) Shipping cost estimation guides

You can get the cost estimation guide from the following resources.

• UPS and FedEx rate guide. If you want to calculate the cubic feet volume of the objects, UPS and FedEx offer a comprehensive calculation guide. Use it.

• Freightos and other resources. If you need the real-time calculation of your freight costs, freightos stands out as the best option.

4) Expert tips from logistics professionals

Do you want to optimize your packages and reduce the freight rates? Our experts have added a few tips worth trying.

Package planning. Use compact packaging or reduce the empty spaces by placing the miniature objects. It can help cover most of the space in your packages and avoid extra expenses.

Choose the correct shipping. If the weight of an object is more than the dimensions, it is better to go for flat shipping. Otherwise, you can try standard shipping, which relies on the weight rather than the cubic feet.

Use freight consolidation. Harness the JustChinaIt freight consolidation magic for your objects. It offers the best rates and reduces the expenses of shipping individual products.

6. FAQs

1) What is the formula for calculating cubic feet?

The straightforward formula for the calculation of cubic feet is below:

Cubic feet = Length × Width × Height

Length, width, and height must be in the feet.

2) How do I measure irregularly shaped packages for cubic feet calculations?

Measuring the cubic feet area is a bit technical. Measure the longest point in the length, width, and height. Divide the overall dimensions into the boxes measuring cubic feet. Only then can you take the idea of accurate cubic feet measurements.

3) Can I calculate cubic feet for cylindrical or spherical objects?

For Cylindrical objects:

Cubic feet = π × (radius in feet²) × height in feet

For spherical objects:

Cubic feet = (4/3) × π × (radius in feet³)

π equals 3.14. You have to measure the radius to calculate the dimensions accurately.

4) What tools can I use to measure package dimensions accurately?

A few tools can be helpful. These include:

Measuring tape (with feet and inches markings)

Digital calipers for small objects

Laser measuring devices

5) Is there an easy way to convert inches to feet during the calculation?

Yes. You must calculate the inches and divide it by the 12. You’ll get the calculations into the cubic feet instantly.

6) Why is it important to calculate cubic feet for shipping and storage?

From shipping costs to container dimensions, all depend on the cubic feet. So, prices alter based on the cubic feet calculations.

7) Are there any apps or online calculators for finding cubic feet quickly?

Yes. Many apps and calculators offer instant cubic feet calculation. These include:

• General measurement apps (e.g., Measure by Google)

• Online cubic feet calculators

• Parcel shipping apps (e.g., FedEx, UPS)

8) What should I do if my measurements don’t match the calculated cubic feet?

You should recheck measurements and calculate the cubic feet again. Also, check if calculations have been converted from inches or meters to feet yet.

Conclusion

Keep the calculations on your desk if you want to know the shipping rates and avoid the extra expenses. You must find the estimated prices and use economical shipping solutions like JustChinaIt.

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